NEC 2017 Code Changes Chapter 4 - Equipment for General Use

1 2016 All Star Training, Inc. 1 NEC 2017 Code Changes Chapter 4 - Equipment for General Use Changes from the 2014 code are highlighted in yellow. ARTICLE 404 switches Part I. Installation Scope. The provisions of this article apply to all switches , switching devices, and circuit breakers used as switches operating at 1000 volts and below, unless specifically referenced elsewhere in this Code for higher voltages. Switch Connections. (A) Three-Way and Four-Way switches . Three-way and fourway switches shall be wired so that all switching is done only in the ungrounded circuit conductor. Where in metal raceways or metal-armored cables, wiring between switches and outlets shall be in accordance with (A). Exception: Switch loops shall not require a grounded conductor.

2 (B) Grounded Conductors. switches or circuit breakers shall not disconnect the grounded conductor of a circuit. Exception: A switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to disconnect a grounded circuit conductor where all circuit conductors are disconnected simultaneously, or where the device is 2016 All Star Training, Inc. 2 arranged so that the grounded conductor cannot be disconnected until all the ungrounded conductors of the circuit have been disconnected. (C) switches Controlling Lighting Loads. The grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit shall be installed at the location where switches control lighting loads that are supplied by a grounded General -purpose branch circuit serving bathrooms, hallways, stairways, or rooms suitable for human habitation or occupancy as defined in the applicable building code.

3 Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load such that the entire floor area of the room or space is visible from the single or combined switch locations, the grounded circuit conductor shall only be required at one location. A grounded conductor shall not be required to be installed at lighting switch locations under any of the following conditions: (1) Where conductors enter the box enclosing the switch through a raceway, provided that the raceway is large enough for all contained conductors, including a grounded conductor (2) Where the box enclosing the switch is accessible for the installation of an additional or replacement cable without removing finish materials (3) Where snap switches with integral enclosures comply with (E) (4) Where lighting in the area is controlled by automatic means (5)

4 Where a switch controls a receptacle load The grounded conductor shall be extended to any switch location as necessary and shall be connected to switching devices that require line-to-neutral voltage to operate the electronics of the switch in the standby mode and shall meet the requirements of 2016 All Star Training, Inc. 3 Exception: The connection requirement shall become effective on January 1, 2020. It shall not apply to replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to local adoption of (C) and where the grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing finish materials. The number of electronic lighting control switches on a branch circuit shall not exceed five, and the number connected to any feeder on the load side of a system or main bonding jumper shall not exceed 25.

5 For the purpose of this exception, a neutral busbar, in compliance with (B) and to which a main or system bonding jumper is connected shall not be limited as to the number of electronic lighting control switches connected. Informational Note: The provision for a (future) grounded conductor is to complete a circuit path for electronic lighting control devices. Enclosure. (A) General . switches and circuit breakers shall be of the externally operable type mounted in an enclosure listed for the intended use. The minimum wire-bending space at terminals and minimum gutter space provided in switch enclosures shall be as required in Exception No. 1: Pendant- and surface-type snap switches and knife switches mounted on an open-face switchboard or panelboard shall be permitted without enclosures.

6 Exception No. 2: switches and circuit breakers installed in accordance with (A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), or (A)(4) shall be permitted without enclosures. 2016 All Star Training, Inc. 4 (B) Used as a Raceway. Enclosures shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices, unless the enclosure complies with Damp or Wet Locations. (A) Surface-Mounted Switch or Circuit Breaker. A surface mounted switch or circuit breaker shall be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure or cabinet that complies with (B) Flush-Mounted Switch or Circuit Breaker. A flush mounted switch or circuit breaker shall be equipped with a weatherproof cover. (C) switches in Tub or Shower Spaces.

7 switches shall not be installed within tubs or shower spaces unless installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. Time switches , Flashers, and Similar Devices. Time switches , flashers, and similar devices shall be of the enclosed type or shall be mounted in cabinets or boxes or Equipment enclosures. Energized parts shall be barriered to prevent operator exposure when making manual adjustments or switching. Exception: Devices mounted so they are accessible only to qualified persons shall be permitted without barriers, provided they are located within an enclosure such that any energized parts within 152 mm ( in.) of the manual adjustment or switch are covered by suitable barriers. Position and Connection of switches . (A) Single-Throw Knife switches .

8 Single-throw knife switches shall be placed so that gravity will not tend to close them. Single-throw knife switches , approved for use in the inverted 2016 All Star Training, Inc. 5 position, shall be provided with an integral mechanical means that ensures that the blades remain in the open position when so set. (B) Double-Throw Knife switches . Double-throw knife switches shall be permitted to be mounted so that the throw is either vertical or horizontal. Where the throw is vertical, integral mechanical means shall be provided to hold the blades in the open position when so set. (C) Connection of switches . Single-throw knife switches and switches with butt contacts shall be connected such that their blades are de-energized when the switch is in the open position.

9 Bolted pressure contact switches shall have barriers that prevent inadvertent contact with energized blades. Singlethrow knife switches , bolted pressure contact switches , molded case switches , switches with butt contacts, and circuit breakers used as switches shall be connected so that the terminals supplying the load are de-energized when the switch is in the open position. Exception: The blades and terminals supplying the load of a switch shall be permitted to be energized when the switch is in the open position where the switch is connected to circuits or Equipment inherently capable of providing a backfeed source of power. For such installations, a permanent sign shall be installed on the switch enclosure or immediately adjacent to open switches with the following words or equivalent: WARNING LOAD SIDE TERMINALS MAY BE ENERGIZED BY BACKFEED.

10 The warning sign or label shall comply with (B). 2016 All Star Training, Inc. 6 Indicating. General -use and motor-circuit switches , circuit breakers, and molded case switches , where mounted in an enclosure as described in , shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position. Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the closed (on) position. Exception No. 1: Vertically operated double-throw switches shall be permitted to be in the closed (on) position with the handle in either the up or down position. Exception No. 2: On busway installations, tap switches employing a center-pivoting handle shall be permitted to be open or closed with either end of the handle in the up or down position.